Single Serve Coffee Forums

[jbviau]

I think jar suggested within the past year or so that we all put our heads together and come up with a nice FAQ/guide/intro for those just beginning to explore single-serve coffee land. The problem is that neither of us can find the original comment/thread! So let's try again. There's always a little membership burst around the holidays, which makes this timely.

As I start to compile some info., how about a little brainstorming?

1. What topics do you see coming up over and over that we could provide some stock answers for?
2. Would a document-style FAQ that you can read through without clicking be more useful than a sort of master thread with lots of links?

I'll throw out the first suggestion as far as topics go that we absolutely need to cover (and keep updated):

Where can I buy k-cup samplers?

[jbviau]

<reserved for posterity>

[jbviau]

p.s. This post is relevant to those who haven't chosen a format yet: http://blog.thecoffeeartisan.com/2010/12/why-pods.html

Chad, any chance you could add images? For example, Jim's site does a nice job of depicting pods, k-cups, t-discs, etc.: http://www.coffeewiz.com/Coffee/

[jbviau]

Let's try a more targeted approach. Any additions or changes to suggest re: the answer proposed to the question below?

I'll throw out the first suggestion as far as topics go that we absolutely need to cover (and keep updated): Where can I buy k-cup samplers?

Many k-cup vendors sell ready-made samplers. You can even find them in retail stores sometimes, e.g. Kohl's, Bed Bath & Beyond, Macy's, etc. However, comparatively fewer vendors allow you to create your own samplers. Typically, the smallest quantity available for mixing and matching is 5 k-cups.* You'll pay a premium for buying in such small quantities, but you'll also avoid getting stuck with entire boxes of varieties you don't like. The following sites offer 5-packs:

Big Cat Coffees - http://www.bigcatcoffees.com/purrfect_pack.cfm
Keurig.com - http://www.keurig.com/shop/k-cups/all-k-cups
Kenoza Coffee - http://www.kenozacoffee.com/samplespage.html
Tweed & Hickory (in Canada) - http://www.tweedandhickory.com/shopsite ... ample.html

*A few sites allow you to buy individual k-cups, much as Kenoza used to do:
umixnmatch - http://www.umixnmatch.com/
Choice Cup - https://www.choicecup.com/
The Coffee Mix - http://www.thecoffeemix.com/
Coffee Outlaw - http://www.coffeeoutlaw.com/

In addition, don't forget to check eBay. From time to time you can find good samplers there, although you'll be at the mercy of the seller in terms of which k-cups are included in them.

Finally, if you're willing to tolerate a certain amount of hassle and shipping expense in order to sample widely, you should consider trading k-cups with other single-serve coffee lovers by posting either here in our k-cup trade thread (k-cup-trades-list-yours-here-t4612.html) or on the message board in a Yahoo group called the K-cup Exchange.

Have fun exploring k-cup land!

[TheCoffeeArtisan]

Chad, any chance you could add images?

Images of pods, T-Discs and K-Cups added.

[jbviau]

Awesome. Thanks! That helps quite a bit, I think.

[jar]

I think a few other things would help. One would be a photo showing symmetric and asymmetric pods to show the difference. A second would be to show pods, kcup, t-disk etc side by side so folk can see relative sizes. It would be good to include a reference item as well, a coin for example or a door key.

[jar]

A brewer gallery showing the different brewers side by side. Jay, can you provide that? Chad?

[TheCoffeeArtisan]

I think that is all useful information, but perhaps best suited for a separate post. I'll see what I can pull together.

[jbviau]

If someone can provide these pics, I'll integrate them into the FAQ. Good ideas.

[jbviau]

I think jar suggested within the past year or so that we all put our heads together and come up with a nice FAQ/guide/intro for those just beginning to explore single-serve coffee land. The problem is that neither of us can find the original comment/thread!

Found it: looking-for-introductory-writing-on-single-serve-coffee-t7251.html

Would you believe that after having been a member here for 2.5 years I only discovered the advanced search feature today? It works!

[jar]

I think jar suggested within the past year or so that we all put our heads together and come up with a nice FAQ/guide/intro for those just beginning to explore single-serve coffee land. The problem is that neither of us can find the original comment/thread!

Found it: looking-for-introductory-writing-on-single-serve-coffee-t7251.html

Would you believe that after having been a member here for 2.5 years I only discovered the advanced search feature today? It works!

Wow, I actually had something worthwhile to say there.

[jbviau]

Yes! Did you really get grounds on your dog?

[jar]

Yes! Did you really get grounds on your dog?

Dogs and me and ...

[Shripe]

Without the same kind of sample-picking control beyond categories (Regular, flavored, donut style, etc.), you can get 10-packs (or 12-packs as my donut pack was mistakenly(?) given two extra) with 2 each of 5 different varieties within those categories at CoffeeGIANT. They also have free shipping for perhaps the very near future.